We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Container Side Crane Loader Trailer Truck Operator to transport, load, and unload ISO shipping containers using a specialized sidelifter (side loader) trailer equipped with twin hydraulic crane arms. The operator is responsible for the full cycle of container handling—from site assessment and ground-level lifting to over-the-road transport and precise placement—without requiring external lifting equipment.
Key ResponsibilitiesContainer Handling & Crane Operation
- Operate sidelifter hydraulic crane arms (via cab controls or wireless remote) to safely lift, level, and transfer 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft shipping containers on/off the trailer chassis.
- Perform ground-to-ground, ground-to-chassis, and chassis-to-ground container moves at customer sites, rail yards, ports, and remote locations.
- Ensure containers are balanced and secured using four-point corner-casting lifting chains and integrated locking mechanisms.
Safety, Inspection & Compliance
- Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the tractor, trailer, hydraulic systems, outriggers, tilt sensors, and lifting equipment; report defects immediately.
- Assess job-site conditions before every lift: confirm firm/level ground (< 3° slope), adequate overhead clearance (~15 ft), and horizontal swing space (~12 ft) for outriggers and container movement.
- Deploy hydraulic outriggers/stabilizer pads and use automatic tilt sensors to prevent tip-overs on uneven or soft surfaces (e.g., gravel lots, construction sites).
- Follow strict safety protocols for solo lifting operations, maintaining clear sightlines and using remote controls to operate at a safe vantage point.
- Maintain accurate logs of working hours, vehicle service status, and container movements per regulatory requirements.
Equipment Care & Communication
- Perform basic maintenance tasks (fluid checks, minor repairs, cleaning) and keep the truck in clean, road-ready condition.
- Communicate with dispatch, operations teams, and customers to coordinate delivery windows and report delays or site-access issues
- Skills & Competencies
- Technical Operation: Proficiency in hydraulic crane controls, wireless remote systems, and interpreting tilt/load sensors.
Working Conditions
- Full-time, mostly outdoor work at ports, rail terminals, warehouses, construction sites, and customer properties.
- Exposure to noise, vibration, and weather elements; use of PPE (hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety boots) required.
- May require occasional overnight or long-haul trips depending on route assignments.
- Spatial Awareness: Ability to maneuver oversized vehicles and swing loads in tight spaces, narrow streets, and confined yards.
- Site Assessment: Capability to evaluate ground stability, slope, overhead obstructions, and clearance before lifting.
- Problem-Solving: Sound judgment to refuse unsafe lifts, adjust routes, and perform emergency roadside repairs when necessary.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to sit for extended periods, climb in/out of cab and trailer, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Work Location: In person